A sign on the drive-through pledges that, "We'll never start cooking until you order. Hot and fresh is always worth the wait."

The restaurant has a large, open dining area, separate counters for desserts and food items, and picnic tables out front.

"The biggest thing that sets us apart is having the combination of the food and the custard -- and the food being so good -- and the hospitality level that you get at a Freddy's versus some of our competitors," said Eric Contizano, vice president of operations for the chain who was on hand for the opening.

Custard is a denser product than ice cream, with less ice crystal and more butterfat, he said. The steakburgers are 85-15 lean to fat ratio.

The chain plans to expand in the area and picked the fast-growing eastern edge of Easley as a good place to start, Contizano said. The next restaurant will be in Greenville, near Interstate 185 and Woodruff Road. It's set to open in mid-November, he said.

"Everybody's so friendly and they seem really happy to have a new establishment in their community," Contizano said.

The most popular item on the menu is the Freddy's Original Double combo meal – two hand-pressed patties and two slices of melted cheese topped with mustard, onion, and pickle served on a butter-toasted bun, franchise operator Jason Ingermanson said. It comes with an ample serving of shoestring fries and a drink.

"We also offer kid's meals," he said. "From steakburgers and veggie-burgers to chicken tenders to hot dogs, the Freddy's menu accommodates guests of all ages."

A sign atop the building touts the restaurant's "Chicago dogs."

"We're thrilled to debut in South Carolina," said Scott Redler, Freddy's chief operating officer. "Freddy's strives to provide a relaxed, yet fun, dining experience and our entrée and dessert items make for a satisfying meal.

"We also emphasize our community outreach programs," he said. "A new Freddy's location means many new opportunities to form lasting partnerships with local schools, area nonprofits, and other organizations.

"We're thankful for the warm welcome we have received, and we hope our guests will enjoy the Freddy's concept."

The company opened its first restaurant in Wichita, Kansas in 2002. It has 105 franchises in 19 states, according to a news release.